Lewis Howard Latimer was an inventor and draftsman best known for his contributions to the patenting of the light bulb and the telephone.

Inventor Thomas Edison created such great innovations as the electric light bulb and the phonograph. A savvy businessman, he held more than 1,000 patents for his inventions.

Garrett Morgan blazed a trail for African-American inventors with his patents, including those for a hair-straightening product, a breathing device, a revamped sewing machine and an improved traffic signal.

American engineer and inventor Robert Fulton is best know for developing the first successful steamboat and the world's first steam warship.

Inventor Nikola Tesla contributed to the development of an alternating-current electrical system that's widely used today and discovered the rotating magnetic field (the basis of most AC machinery).

George Westinghouse is best known for his inventions and the development of his company, Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing.

Thomas Blanchard was an American inventor whose patents contributed to the development of the mass production system.

Samuel Colt was an inventor and industrialist who created the revolver—most notably the .45-calibre Peacemaker model, introduced in 1873—and paved the way for the interchangeable parts system of manufacturing.

Woody Guthrie was a singer-songwriter, and one of the legendary figures of American folk music.